Course overview

Psychosocial Studies is an exciting and relatively new area of study that explores the relationship between self and society.

This multidisciplinary course combines the focus on the individual found in psychology and psychoanalysis with the wider cultural and systemic concerns of sociology. It allows you to develop a rounded understanding of human behaviours with specific practical application to a range of substantive policy areas. You will gain knowledge of the theoretical context of important issues
about the nature and relations of human beings, as well as essential practical skills relevant to the vocational fields that lead on from these subjects.

The modules are designed to provide you with a firm grounding in the fundamentals of sociology and social, health and developmental psychology. With this foundation in place, the course allows you to broaden and deepen your knowledge of the individual, the social world, and the relations between them. It will provide you with the intellectual tools to appreciate how we shape, and are shaped by, our social surroundings, as well as enhancing valuable vocational skills. Areas of study could include sexuality, desire and gender; agency and social change; deviance, crime and social control, health and illness; racism, race and cultural identity; community and social life; biology and behaviourism, and developmental psychology.

Assessment

Assessment is via a mix of examination, essays, class tests, individual and group presentations, book reviews, portfolio, and dissertation.

Facilities

All courses are taught in our modern and well-equipped classrooms.

Libraries

Our campus libraries offer a wide range of publications and a variety of study facilities, including open-access computers, areas for quiet or group study and bookable rooms. We also have an extensive Digital Library providing on and off-site access to e-books, e-journals and databases.

We endeavour to make our libraries as accessible as possible for all our students. During Semester time, they open 24 hours a day from Monday to Thursday, until midnight on Friday and Saturday and for 12 hours on Sunday.


IT Resources

Our open access computer facilities provide free acess to the internet, email, messaging services and the full Microsoft Office suite. A high speed wireless service is also available in all key areas on campus. If you are away from campus or a distant learner, our student desktop and its many applications can be accessed remotely using the internet. Your personal student email account provides free document storage, calendar facilities and social networking opportunities.

Throughout your studies you will have access to our Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), providing course notes, reading materials and multi-media content to support your learning, while our e-vision system gives you instant access to your academic record and your timetable.

Special features

Psychosocial Studies represents an innovative interdisciplinary collaboration between Sociology and Psychology.

Associated careers

The intellectual disciplines delivered in this course are valued by employers in a wide range of sectors, including the criminal- justice sector, health and related professions, social work, teaching, human-resource management. The ability to specialise in Years 2 and 3 gives you the opportunity to fine-tune your degree to suit a favoured career.

Entry requirements listed are for September 2013 entry. Entry requirements for other intakes may differ.

Interview may be required.
All applicants must have GCSE English at grade C or above or equivalent.
180 UCAS points consisting of two relevant A levels with at least one at grade C or above.
National diploma with at least two units at merit or above.
Or pass or above at Access level, with three units at merit or above.
Mature students with equivalent qualifications or appropriate employment experience may also be considered for an entry onto the programme.

Please note AS levels are acceptable only when combined with other qualifications.

Our published entry requirements are a guide only and our decision will be based on your overall suitability for the course as well as whether you meet the minimum entry requirements.

We welcome applications from International and EU students. Please select one of the links below for English language and country-specific entry requirement information.

• International students
• EU students
• English language requirements